A View from the Edge

Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute/Technique Restaurant

2012-01-26T22:26:00.000-06:00

Each year our water aerobics group here in the park goes out to a nice restaurant for a luncheon. This year we went to Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Scottsdale. It was quite a dining experience! I shared some of the photos with you yesterday in my "Things in a Row" post.

The school occupies the full second floor of a building, and the restaurant is a fairly good size.

Some of my friends going up the escalator to the restaurant.

There were glass windows next to the entrance and I saw some students/chefs who were busy working....possibly baking our desserts?

Besides the restaurant, there is a little deli where you could buy a quick sandwich and grab a drink. It looked like there was both chicken and egg salad available.

The swimming "gals"!

Students led us to our tables, took our orders, and cooked our food. We had to evaluate our server at the end of our meal.

Some more of our servers:

This guy was so nervous that we thought he was going to spill our water on us! But he did well, and warmed up after awhile! He gave us a big smile here!

The cooks did a WONDERFUL job! Here they are in action!

The young students were following orders from this big honcho (the one with the BIG hat). He'd say what he wanted done, and I'd hear the students answer, "Yes, Chef!"

I walked up to the kitchen area and asked one of the cooks if I could take his picture. He said, "It's 'cause I'm good looking, right?" Oh, he was cute alright! And young! Unfortunately, my flash bounced off of the plexiglass and the photo didn't turn out. So then I held my camera up high and pointed it down towards him and at that time another cook joined him.

I sat back down and told my friends what happened and one said, "Why don't you stand on the side and take the photo?" So I went back to the area and asked if I could do just that. The girl in the above photo said "fine". The young man had his back to me. I yelled, "Hey cutie!" He immediately turned around and posed. Gotta love him!

Here is a shot of the area where you can sit by the counter.

Another area of the restaurant

Just hanging with my peeps.

l-r: Pat, Viv, me, Judy

l-r: Rachel and Thelma

l-r: Jean and Nadine

And now for the food. The meal cost $10, which included a starter, entree and dessert.

First we were served bread and three different kinds of butter - not sure of all the flavors, but ONE of them was a tomato basil.

There were six starters and a flatbread or pizza to choose from. Here are just SOME of them.

This is what I ate. It was DELICIOUS!! The basil leaves were quick fried in oil so they were crisp.

Caprese Salad - served with fried mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, roasted red peppers, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar reduction

Shrimp Risotto

There were NINE entrees to choose from, plus the daily special.

I had the salmon.

served with English pea puree, asparagus, Parisian potatoes with butter sauce

One friend had the lamb burger. Now let me tell you, I'm not real big on lamb, but this was so tasty and tender that I would definitely order it!

with feta cheese, tomato marmalade, spinach, sautéed red onions, served with hand-cut french fries

Another friend ordered the halibut. Outstanding!

served with corn and fava bean succotash, tomatoes, peas

But let's face it. We were really there for the DESSERTS!! Choice of five.

Here they are!

Cookies and Ice – Raspberry, pineapple and vanilla sorbet in a thin caramel wafer crisp, raspberry, chocolate and caramel syrup sauce, and two chocolate chip chocolate cookies

Salted Caramel Pot de Crème – with Chantilly cream and almond sable cookie

Classic Creamy Cheesecake – with strawberry-rhubarb compote and cocoa sauce

Chocolate Mousse – classic chocolate mousse with Viennese sponge cake, raspberries and raspberry sauce

Seasonal Fruit Crumble – with vanilla bean ice cream

Now isn't this a bargain for TEN BUCKS? Here's the good news! There are several of the schools with restaurants across the United States. They are located in:

If you get a chance, check it out! But you should make reservations! They fill up fast!

Thursday's Things in a Row

2012-01-26T00:00:00.001-06:00

I went to Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Scottsdale for lunch the other day. The young students cook and serve the food. I will tell you all about my visit in an upcoming post. While I was there, I saw many things in a row!

Just look at all the things in a row in this photo! Pots! Pans! Ovens! Containers! Carts! Oh my!

So many bowls, so little time!

We saw a beautiful display of cakes. I am thinking that these are sticky buns in a row, on top of a cake made out of sugar.

How about a chocolate purse with white dots? In a row, of course! Remember, this is a CAKE!

Now, these beautiful items are made from sugar. I am posting two photographs from different angles; the second shows the sun shining down on these spectacular pieces.

Aren't these exquisite?

And finally, some freshly made pastries. Yum!

So, is your mouth watering yet?

What do you have for me this week, my little chickadees?

Signs - Polly wants a WHAT?

2012-01-25T12:54:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine wore this shirt the other day at our park. Just had to take a picture of it! It was PERFECT for "Signs"!

For more signs, visit Lesley.

Everything's Coming Up Bacon

2012-01-23T14:28:00.000-06:00

Who doesn't love the smell of bacon sizzling in a pan on a Sunday morning?

And the taste? Yum! Biting into a crisp piece of bacon? There's nothing like it!

BUT.....

I think the world's gone a LIT-TLE crazy with this whole bacon flavor idea.

How about:

Bacon flavored candy canes? Uh, no thank you!

Or bacon-flavored jelly beans? Seriously?

Not to be confused with "baking soda", how about some "Bacon Soda"? Yuk! The thought of that just makes me gag!

I can't even imagine.....bacon frosting!

Bacon popcorn! Have some Bacon Soda with it! Yum!

Now this product might have some potential - in my humble opinion. Probably taste good with a hamburger, no?

The following items are not EDIBLE, but are just meant to either SMELL or RESEMBLE bacon.

Who WOULDN'T want a bacon band-aid on their boo-boo?

Wouldn't you like to KISS two lips that were covered in bacon lip balm? Lay one on me, babe! Mmwaah!

And while you're UPCLOSEANDPERSONAL, did you notice how my breath smelled nice and fresh and BACONY? That's because I used my new BACON dental floss! Yipee! (Why does the woman have cherry dental floss? Is there an underlying meaning to that? Huh!)

How about a hand sanitizer that smells like bacon? Who wouldn't want to smell like you're a piece of meat? I bet you'd drive your pets crazy!

And of course, if your HANDS smell like bacon, you MUST have your nails done like this:

Which would all go well if you were going out in THIS ensemble:

For you nerds out there (notice I didn't say GEEKS, as they are completely different kinds of people), here is a bacon wallet. Which I GUARANTEE, if you use, you will NOT get any dates.

Which means you will be a loser, at home, playing the Mr. Bacon game,

and probably pleasuring yourself in the shower with your bacon soap. Fact.

*Sorry. The naughty side of me slipped out! ;0

Miracle Elixir From the Mother

2012-01-20T14:08:00.000-06:00

The other day I was sitting outside on the patio at my friend, Judy's place. Then our friend, Marty, joined us. We were just chit-chatting like women do, when Judy said, "Marty, tell Pat about that "tonic" you take."

Marty makes up this special "tonic" and has been drinking it for well over a year. It is like a miracle elixir.

Marty said,

"Mix 1 cup of natural honey (from the area where you live if possible)
1 cup of apple cider vinegar "FROM THE MOTHER"

"From the mother? Not from the Father?" I said. "What the heck does that mean?"

Marty wasn't sure but you MUST use the apple cider vinegar "FROM THE MOTHER". You MAY find in in grocery stores, but MOST health food stores carry it.

Marty continued."Also add 8 cloves of garlic to the liquids."

"Wow. Not only will this ruin your sex life, but it will also protect you from vampires!" I said.

This is what it is supposed to help (according to the website www.rawfoodinfo.com):

Muscle or joint aches, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, hemorrhoids, infertility and impotence, toothaches, fewer colds and infectious diseases, obesity ( a powerful fat destroyer and weight reducer), ulcers, reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol, reduced risks of breast, blocks agents of cancer of the breast - colon - esophagus - skin - stomach and stimulates the immune system.

Okay so here it is again.

1 cup honey
1 cup apple cider vinegar from the mother (means unfiltered)
8 garlic cloves

Put all three ingredients in a blender and mix till smooth. (I "smashed" the garlic first on a cutting board, then threw them in the blender.)

It looks almost like milk when you first mix it together.

But then it settles down to a natural brown color. Store in refrigerator for 5 days. Then on the 6th day, SHAKE WELL. First thing in the morning, take 2 teaspoons of the concoction and then drink at least 1/4 cup of water. Then wait at least 30 minutes before eating. Bottoms up! Jim and I found it easier to quickly down it from a shot glass instead of taking it one teaspoon at a time. I admit, it's not that great tasting, but it's over in a second and the water helps.

When I was looking for the special apple cider vinegar, I called a local store. Here's how the conversation went:

Ring, ring.

me: "Hello, I'm looking for apple cider vinegar 'from the mother'. Do you have any?"

friendly young woman (FYW): "Yes, I'm sure we do."

Me: "......."

FYW: "Let me check to be sure!"

Me: " I would appreciate that!"

FYW: a couple minutes later "Well, we have apple cider vinegar 'by the mother'. Will that do?"

Me: "Close enough! I guess if it's near the mother it will work! Do you know what that means?"

FYW: "I have NO idea", laughing.

Me: "It means 'unfiltered'."

FYW: "Oh! And you're in luck! It's on sale today for $2.99!"

Me: "Yipee!"

We've been taking the tonic for four days now. I've yet to be doing cartwheels and handsprings, but I'll keep you informed on my progress!

Let me know if any of you try this concoction!

(Keep tonic refrigerated and be sure to shake it up every morning before taking it.)

Thursday's Things in a Row

2012-01-19T00:15:00.000-06:00

This week is the second half of "Things in a Row" at a Toy Store!

Did YOU ever hear of "Capsule Man"? Me neither. Doesn't sound like someone you'd want hanging around the school yard, either! The directions state to drop these capsules in warm water and watch critters appear! Ta-da! There is a warning about a choking hazard. No freaking kidding! If you swallowed this and all of a sudden you had a, let's say, GIRAFFE in your throat, uh YEAH, I'd say that was choking. Even worse, let's say you swallow this and it gets to your STOMACH. Then what? Pouf? Now you have a sponge animal floating around on your gastric acids? Nice. Try passing an elephant out your back end. Maybe sometimes it's felt like it, but now you have the REAL DEAL!

Speaking of animals, these are some kind of carriers that hold "zooables" whatever the heck THOSE are. Look like little animal characters. Each year they come out with a new product so the parents and grandparents have to fork over more moola!

Now! This is more like it! A sensible card game! Who DOESN'T like a fast game of Uno?

I had to blow up this photo because for a minute there I thought ole Barbie was pregnant and showing her bare belly. Doesn't it look like that? That Ken! He's sure been busy! But, I was wrong! Just an optical illusion! This is Barbie in a Mermaid's Tale. Is her name "Merliah" or is that how you say "Mermaid" in Spanish?

So, kiddies, anything good this week for me?

Signs - You had Sex WHERE?

2012-01-18T13:53:00.000-06:00

I can't take credit for these photos. I saw these drawings/signs on the internet and thought they were funny. Wouldn't they be cute in a couple's apartment? Sure would get the guests talking! They are by Steve Lambert.

Oh, to be young again! Sigh!

For more signs, visit Lesley here. (This week I'll put the link in!)

Got a Million Bucks?

2012-01-16T22:59:00.000-06:00

Hey! Let's say you've got a million bucks AND YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH IT!

I've got an idea!

Why not buy a Human Slinky!

A WHAT?

H-U-M-A-N S-L-I-N-K-Y!!

AND, you are in luck BECAUSE it is listed for sale on ebay for a mere $1,000,000! Here's the description:

"The most unusual, astonishing, unique and creative act of its kind in the world featured in the world oddities book “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!: Prepare to Be Shocked!”, winner award Best Variety Act 2008 at the Hollywood Best New Talent Awards. People ask… what is it? What are we watching? Everywhere are completely astonished and baffled at the act. Veniamin’s® his name and he comes from Romania and live in USA. He’s appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, America’s Got Talent, When Will I Be Famous, The View, Viva Variety, Paul O’Grady Show and many other TV shows all over the World."

It has be listed for over 25 days, with no bids yet. Hmmm, I wonder why? I mean, the SHIPPING'S FREE for cripe's sake!

Watch this video of the Human Slinky in action. It's oddly fascinating. Like an accident you can't look away from.

Just tell me this? Was it necessary to have that woman perform? What the heck did she add to the act?

So, in case you DO buy the Human Slinky, please let me be the FIRST to know and I'll interview you for my blog! I'll take pictures and everything! I swear!

I Embarrassed My Husband AGAIN

2012-01-14T13:09:00.000-06:00

I really don't TRY to.

Honestly.

I'm just being myself, after all.

So here's how it went down.

We were at a restaurant and I noticed this couple sitting across from us. The man was bald and when he turned to the side, I noticed he had a tattoo on the back of his head.

At first glance, I wasn't quite sure if I saw the tattoo correctly.

So I continued to stare throughout my meal (not conspicuously, I hope.)

I said to Jim, "I want to take a picture of that man's head."

"What man?"

"Over there. He's got a funny tattoo on the back of his head."

Jim let out a big sigh.

"Would this embarrass you?" I asked.

"Yes. Why do you have to take a picture? Why can't you just look at it and be done with it?"

Uh. Duh. Because I have a BLOG and I want to SHARE this moment with ALL OF YOU!!

So I didn't embarrass Jim, at least right away.

But I thought about the man with the tattoo. It was pretty funny. And I bet he got a lot of comments. So I kept an eye on him, and "coincidentally" *wink* *wink*, we went up to pay our bill at the register at the same time.

The man with the tattoo got in line first, Jim was second.

The man's wife stood aside, I was next to her.

I asked her, "Do you think your husband would mind if I took a picture of his tattoo? I think it is so funny!"

"Of course not! People take photos of it all the time! Don won't mind!"

So here it is:

And here is Don from the front.

Doesn't he look like a fun person? He must have a great personality! I told him that I loved his tattoo and he said, "Thanks! I like it! I figured people will either love it or hate it! I think it's funny!"

And THAT my friends is why it's great to carry a camera at all times!

It's the end of the world as we know it

2012-01-13T12:55:00.000-06:00

Maybe the Mayans WERE right in predicting that the world will end in 2012.

The Hostess company is filing for bankruptcy.

If that name doesn't ring a bell, maybe these photos will help you. Hostess is the maker of:

The junk food that I grew up with. Sigh.

So WHAT that the ingredients on the side of the box are over an inch long and people can't even pronounce them?

So WHAT that Twinkies have a shelf life of THREE YEARS?

So WHAT that eating this stuff can cause obesity and can be hazardous to your health?

This SHIT is good! I grew UP on this stuff! And I'M okay.

Granted, I AM overweight, and I DO sorta GLOW in the dark, but, aside from that, I'm OKAY.

It's OKAY to eat this stuff! REALLY.

I was HORRIFIED to hear that Hostess was going to file bankruptcy. It brought TEARS to my eyes.

"Noooo!" I yelled!

True, I hadn't eaten a Twinkie since, well, wait I DID have a DEEP-FRIED Twinkie in Vegas a couple of years ago just for grins. And I DID eat one so that I could write all about it on my blog here.

My point it, (and I DO have one), I want EVERYONE to go out and buy Hostess products so we can save the company AND I can recapture my youth.

Thank you.

Thursday's Things in a Row

2012-01-12T00:00:00.002-06:00

I don't know about you, but it's getting harder and harder to come up with interesting photos of things in a row. Lucky for me that I always carry my "point and shoot" camera! Today I went exploring in the Toy Department! Look what I found!

Pink bikes with pink tires, too!

Aren't the bike helmets adorable?

Justin Bieber Bears! Seriously?

Baby Cinderallas! Aren't we starting a little young?

Almost "Stepford Wive-ish, only in babyland!"

I LIKE this good old-fashioned toy - requires no batteries, either!

Vroom! Vroom!

Who doesn't love a yo-yo? Can you "walk the dog"?

I'll share the rest of my toy photos next week. Did you find anything in a row this week?

Signs - Talk Dirty to Me!

2012-01-11T12:38:00.000-06:00

This is a T-shirt I received for Christmas from my niece. Does she know me or WHAT?!

For more fun signs, visit Lesley here.

Laughter is the BEST Medicine!

2012-01-09T13:58:00.000-06:00

When I was home for the holidays, I visited my 83-year-old aunt a few times who was in the hospital. She had fallen in her apartment and cracked her pelvis and wrist. (She's doing good now and is out of the hospital.)

During one of my visits, children from a nearby school came to the hospital and sang Christmas carols. Although they sang at the other end of the corridor, their voices carried and they sounded like little angels. My sister and I, along with my aunt, and my cousin, were sitting in a small lounge area, when the little children came in bearing home-made get well cards. They started handing them out to ALL of us, when someone said, "WE'RE not sick, SHE is!" and pointed to my aunt. She received about 10 cards, each one cuter than the next.

I had to take pictures of them and share them with you.

They were THAT darn cute!

I was so impressed with their artistic ability. I'm guessing these kids were in third or fourth grade.

I love the "layered" look, the blue snowflakes, the use of pinking shears to cut out the tree!

Truthfully, this is equal to MY artistic ability. Fact. But I still think it is cute.

Look at the detail in the exclamation point. Is that a "bow" on the dot?

Inside the card this child shows off more artistic talent. Look at the detail in the ornament hook!

On the green card - that kid prints fancier than me! I LOVE the moon on the card to the right!

Love the message, "Dear Person"!

This is one of my favorites. Doesn't this look like an old-fashioned Santa Claus? (maybe doing a disco dance?)

Does this just break your heart or what?

This card made me laugh! "I hope you get out soon!" As if the person were in prison! Ha ha!

I saved the BEST for last. This little girl put a lot of detail in the picture. The little girl has a "bubble" by her mouth that reads "good luck". She REALLY pours her heart out in the card!

It's hard to read the card. She wrote, "Dear Friend, I really hope you feel better. I know you're strong and tough and you will recover. Don't lose hope!" Then she wrote with a red crayon on the red paper and it gets REALLY difficult to read. We had a hard time reading it IN PERSON. It said something about "Even though I don't know you, I will still pray for you. God works miracles. Happy Holidays. Sincerely Mailah" This is pretty deep for an 8-10 year old, don't you think?

I hope you enjoyed these as much as I did!

A Technical Christmas Song

2012-01-08T09:49:00.000-06:00

I know the majority of you probably have all your Christmas decorations packed neatly away and are looking forward to Spring, but I came across this great holiday video and I couldn't pass up sharing it with you.

This is Christmas music made on iPhones and iPads at North Point Community Church.

Enjoy.

Your in My SPACE!

2012-01-06T00:00:00.003-06:00

We all have our own comfort level when it comes to our "space". Some people need a wide distance around them to feel comfortable;

other people? Not so much.

For me it all depends upon if I know the person. I'm very comfortable with people I know. Heck - I'm a "touchy-feely" person - I'm Italian for cripes sake!

But when I'm around strangers, I DO like my own personal space.

Unfortunately, this space is reduced drastically when flying on a commercial airline, unless you have the luxury to fly first class.

Let me tell you, poor little ole me is seated at the back of the plane.

It seems that the seats are getting smaller (or am I just getting bigger)? The seats are closer to the ones in front of them, leaving it barely impossible to move once you are seated.

Now, I am not a little woman, but I am no where near as big as this person:

I can fit in a seat AND buckle the seat belt!

On both flights to and from Chicago I had an aisle seat. This guarantees me my own arm rest and I don't bother anyone if I have to go to the bathroom.

When I am seated I try not to let ANY part of my body touch the person next to me if at all possible.

Is it coming across that I'm trying to be nondescript, not bothering anyone?

It bugs the crap out of me when people recline their seats.

There is just no room for this anymore on the current jetliners.

I'm sorry. I don't think it should be allowed.

In fact, I think they should REMOVE the reclining option from the seats altogether.

Unless it's an international flight.

But then they should give more leg room so that if the person in front of you decides to recline their seat, it won't inconvenience the person behind them.

During my return trip to Phoenix, the guy in front of me reclined his seat for practically the whole trip.

So while he was spread out and comfortable, I had very little room to move.

Then the young woman in the middle seat next to me had to use the bathroom.

What I SHOULD have done was ask the man to move his seat back up.

But I didn't.

Instead, I had to become a CONTORTIONIST

to get my body OUT of my seat, my legs OVER the arm rest, and my stomach AROUND the guy's stupid headrest as it jutted into my space.

HE was sleeping comfortably.

I SHOULD have done this:

and say, "Move the HELL up!"

But I didn't.

Years ago when we flew back from Ireland, the man in front of me reclined his seat so far back that his head was in my lap.

I.KID.YOU.NOT.

And to make matters worse?

He had really bad breath.

I wanted to say, "Don't you think you should introduce yourself before you put your head in my lap?"

But I didn't.

I took a short train ride to my daughter's house. The train was packed for the holidays. There was luggage EVERYWHERE. I was lucky to get a seat, which happened to be in the first row right behind the pile of luggage and next to a ~~seat hogger~~ woman. She was an average-sized woman, but she like to take up more than her seat. I'm assuming there was an arm rest to separate the two seats and that she put it up so that she could have more room. Then, probably to her dismay, I sat down next to her.

I didn't think about the armrest right off the bat; that is, until she kept bumping into me and saying, "Excuse me".

I tried to read my book, and every so often would glance over at her. I noticed that her legs were spread wide (she had pants on) and her feet were resting on her luggage. She literally was sprawled in her seat.

A few times she rested her elbow on my muffin top!

Seriously!

Now THAT is in my SPACE!!

I kept inching over more and more till I was leaning in the aisle.

I wanted to say, "Move over lady!"

BUT I DIDN'T

Luckily I was getting off at the first stop so it was just a little over an hour ride. She was probably relieved, too. I'm sure she spread out on that seat like a spilled drink!

THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS: Please be respectful of another person's "space". There are meek people out there who won't say anything even if they WANT to!

THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH.....UH, IF THAT'S OKAY WITH YOU!!

Thursday's Things in a Row

2012-01-05T00:00:00.004-06:00

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING CONTENT MAY MAKE YOU DROOL AND YOUR STOMACH GROWL.

(I KNOW IT HAPPENED TO ME, AND I WAS THE ONE POSTING IT!!)

This week's theme is all about CHOCOLATE. YUMMO!

Around Christmastime my sister and I visited a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Northern IL. I had never heard of this store before, but I found out later that they have stores in 37 states, Canada and the United Arab Emirates. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory features over 300 varieties of hand made chocolates and confections.

We walked into the store, and a heavenly smell filled my nostrils.

CHOCOLATE

In every way, shape and form.

I thought I died and went to heaven.

Because don't we ALL think that heaven is made out of chocolate?

NO?

Oh.

Okay. I'll get on with the photos.

First, let me introduce you to Carol.

Isn't she sweet? I introduced myself to Carol and asked if I could take photos in the store for my blog. She said that she didn't mind and that she, too, had a blog. She is a "foodie" - just loves to cook. Click here to read her blog.

Oookay. Things in a row! Right!

Wooden baskets filled with goodies for Christmas!

A menorah.

Toffee apples: Granny Smith apple coated in sweet, thick, chewy caramel, rolled in almonds and toffee pieces and drizzled with milk chocolate. (mouth watering yet?)

These are Oreo apples. I'm thinking that first they are smothered in caramel, then white chocolate (?), then rolled in Oreo cookie crumbs.

Strawberry and orange cremes.

English toffee on the left, dark chocolate English toffee on the right. These pieces are about 2" L x 1 1/2" W. The toffee is not real hard so when you take a bite, it just melts in your mouth. TO.DIE.FOR.

All sorts of goodies in the jars in a row!

Look how cute the suckers were displayed!

I don't know what the official name of this is, but it looks like a white chocolate pie with nuts and chocolate drizzled across the top of it. Sure, I'll have a slice of that!

I neglected to take a photo of the shop from outside, but inside it was very cute. Bright, clean, and cozy. Here tables were set up near the window so you could watch the passersby. The shop is located on the main street with many other stores. I love the pictures of their products hanging on the walls. You may wonder why they have tables and chairs......they also serve ice cream here.

The shelves were filled with gift ideas.

Here is a sign advertising their prices. As you can see, they are quite pricey. But, I can personally testify that IT IS WELL WORTH IT!!

If you are interested, you can order from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory online.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. Did you take lots of pictures while I was gone? Can't wait to see what you have for me this week!

Signs - Must be 18 or Older!

2012-01-04T13:05:00.000-06:00

I saw this sign while I was home visiting for the holidays. It was on the window of a drive-thru cigarette shop available at a gas station. I was trying to be inconspicuous when taking the shot (from the passenger seat) because I didn't want the people inside the store to think I was "casing" the joint! They had recently been robbed and the owner badly beaten. So this photo isn't the greatest, but it gets the point across. Besides, I was making my sister very nervous because she is a frequent shopper at this place!

For more signs, visit Lesley here.

Christmas Morning

2012-01-02T22:48:00.000-06:00

As you know, I spent the holidays back home in the Chicagoland area. A few days prior to Christmas I took the train down to my daughter Jessica's house.

I had FOUR full days of this beautiful little smile:

Now I ask you, could YOU resist that smile?

I did the majority of my holiday shopping on line and had all the packages sent to Jessica's house. What little shopping I did in PERSON, I packed in this Home Depot box that you see in the background.

I had picked up a lot of miscellaneous things for Lily from the local Goodwill store like small dishes for her play kitchen, foam puzzles, and this pack 'n play for her dollies.

It only cost me a mere $3.99! I saw it for $12.99 in the stores! I brought it home, washed the fabric in the washing machine, sterilized all the other parts with a clorox wipe, stitched up a small tear in the fabric, and we were good to go! You can see that Lily liked it! She readily filled it with her baby dolls "Baby" and "Honey", and of course, her beloved bear "George".

Every day I'd take something out of "Grandma's magical box" and give it to Lily. She would get so excited over this. Nothing was over $4, and the majority was from Goodwill.

I love this photo of Lily while she's studying a photo in a book, trying to find objects on the page. She's really engaged in the activity!

On Christmas morning Lily came downstairs and asked, "Where's Santa?"

Her mother explained that Santa was already gone, but that he had left presents for her.

Lily said, "Oh my God, I am SO excited!"

She picked up one box and shook it. (It was a puzzle.) She heard the pieces moving around and asked, "Is Santa in HERE?"

I don't think she quite understands the "Santa" concept yet!

I won't bore you with all the pictures from Christmas - just the ones I think are the funniest and/or cutest of Lily.

Here she is so excited because she received a Nerf football! (She loves to watch the Green Bay Packers with her Daddy, much to my chagrin! Go Bears!)

In the next three sequences of photos, look how excited she is to get a TOOTHBRUSH in her stocking!

Do you know those "net" wash things, or "foo-foo" things, that you use in the shower with body wash? (I don't know the official name of it do you?) Anyfoo, Lily got one in her stocking. Jessica told her that she got her own "loofah". Lily said, "OH MY GOD, I'm SO EXCITED! I have my OWN loofah!" And then she hugged it. Fact. Here's the proof.

Is this kid a comedian or what?

Of course, she's not the only one that's funny in that house. Look at their dog, Venus. I think she's trying to hide from all the commotion going on!

Unless she's trying to get warm. Then she snuggles up against anyone or anything on the couch, her brother, Atlas, included.

The cats and dogs ALL got stockings with treats inside. Here the dogs are getting their treats:

Two of the three cats are getting their treats.....Cora was hiding at the moment. AND where there's food....there's ATLAS (the male dog!)

We found Cora (the smallest cat) hiding under the tree. Jessica gave her a couple of treats but she wasn't interested. Of course Atlas, a.k.a. "Hoover", is hanging around just in case he gets lucky! Also, another cat is peeking out from under the tree. That's Kahn!

And finally, here's part of my family.

l-r: Jason (son), Dave (SIL), Jessica (daughter)

I hope you all had wonderful holidays!

Happy New Year! I'm Ba--ack!

2011-12-31T12:41:00.000-06:00

Hey my little chickadees! Did you miss me? I missed all of youl! It was really strange being away from the computer for a couple of weeks. This is the first time I've done that.....the time just flew by!

I said I would post on the First of the Year, and here I am a day early!

Did you know that you could write a wish and have it written on a piece of confetti that will be added to the ONE TON of confetti that flutters down on Times Square at the stroke of midnight tonight?

Is that cool or what?

I guess this has been done for a few years now. Who knew?

People from around the WORLD submit their wishes, both via the internet, OR if they are visiting the Times Square Visitor's Center. At the Center, they can write their own wish on an official piece of confetti and then tack it onto the Wishing Wall.

I just added my wish this morning and I was going to share the link with all of you; unfortunately the link is now closed. I guess they need time to print all the wishes! But we'll have to remember this for next year! I wonder when they start collecting the wishes for 2013?

It just makes me smile to think my little wish is mixed among the gazillion other wishes from all over the world. Maybe this year my wish just might come true!

May all YOUR wishes come true!

Happy New Year!

Closed for the Holidays

2011-12-17T00:00:00.001-06:00

Rudolph the 2-story Reindeer?

2011-12-16T00:00:00.003-06:00

So you all know that I live full-time in a 40-foot trailer.

Yeah.

On the plus side, there's not a lot to clean.

On the negative side, there's not a lot of room.

So for that reason alone I don't have any Christmas decorations. (They are all in storage.)

This is how I FEEL about not having any Christmas decorations.

Well, until our Block Captain asked if we wanted to participate in decorating our site like the majority of people on our block by purchasing these lights:

These are solar lights that change colors from red, blue to green. Not bad, but they don't throw off a LOT of light. Pretty minimal, actually.

Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if we didn't have a streetlight right next door to us. It glares down upon our site and drowns out our little lights.

Then there are our neighbors across from us. They didn't want any part of these stinkin' lights.

Nope. They had their OWN decorations.

Think along the lines of the movie "Christmas Vacation".

Okay, so MAYBE I exaggerate a lee-tle bit.

But not much.

They have a big motor coach bus. It is strewn with Christmas lights, they have red hats on both side mirrors, and a stable out front.

I almost get blinded when I walk by their place at night.

Our little lights are put to shame. They are lined up in a row in front of our trailer.

I feel like taking them and just spelling out the word "DITTO" and point an arrow facing my neighbors.

But I DID find something that can OUTDO them for next year.

Heck, it can outdo the WHOLE PARK.

It's a 2-STORY REINDEER!!

YOU HEARD ME!!

Although this photo makes it look bigger with little KIDS running in front of it, it really IS 2 stories tall!

Imagine the awe!

Imagine the jealously!

Imagine us parking Big Blue between the reindeer's legs!

Oh, this could be fun!

I wonder how this sucker doesn't blow away? And isn't that the thing you blow into up there on the thigh? How the heck? (scrambling through papers, reading....a hah, a hah)

Oh. Never mind.

Comes with a fan to inflate it. Hee hee.

This costs $350, but I bet there's a GREAT markdown after Christmas! AND, how small do you think I could fold this sucker? Would it fit in a shoe box?

(Yelling to Jim) Honey, I got a GREAT idea for next Christmas!!

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! I am off for a two week visit to colder climates to visit family for the holidays. This blog will be closed during that time.

See ya next year!

Thursday's Things in a Row

2011-12-15T00:00:00.002-06:00

I took these photos of Christmas things in a row at a local Home Depot store. No matter that it was in EARLY OCTOBER! Truth! Because on the same day, same disc I have "things in a row" of pumpkin items! But I didn't spring them on YOU too early. Nope! I held them till a decent two weeks or so before Christmas!

Very cute gnomes, yes?

Honking big bells that don't ring......they're plastic!

Looks like Santa has a LOT of exes! And they all look alike!

Rows of glass ornaments! (If you look carefully, you can see a reflection of both Jim and me in that top gold ornament!)

Do you say "point-SETTA" or "point-SET-TI-A"? These are the safest to keep around the house if you have pets - they are fake!

Do you have any holiday items for this week?

ATTENTION: THIS MEME WILL BE CLOSED FOR TWO WEEKS DUE TO THE HOLIDAY. WILL RESUME ON JANUARY 5, 2012.

Signs - Supporting our Troops!

2011-12-14T11:57:00.000-06:00

I saw this sign on the side of a semi-truck that was unloading at a store while we were stopped at a red light.

I hope they're not supporting them while in combat! ;)

I like how the cab of the truck is painted camouflage.

Visit Lesley for more signs.

Feeling Stressed?

2011-12-13T14:27:00.000-06:00

Are you feeling a little stressed because of the upcoming holidays?

You still have gifts to buy, gifts to wrap, cookies to bake, house to clean, cards to write?

Yikes! Will you finish it all in time?

Don't stress!

Here are a few items to RELIEVE your stress! And they are FUN, too!

How about a "Poppin Peepers Penguin"?

Now THAT'S funny, I don't care what anyone says!

There are all KINDS of eye-popping animals available, from frogs, pigs, cows, elephants....you name it. You can see them all here.

Speaking of squeezing something to relieve stress...... how about this one?

Yes, that's a big boobie. Maybe you can get a two for one discount! Course, this might relieve some OTHER tension you are experiencing. BLUSH.

Or you can always squeeze Pete or Bob, whomever you choose, and watch THEIR eyes pop out!

Bug out Bob

Panic Pete

Is is my imagination, or does Bug Out Bob resemble a penis? No? Uh, okay, forget it. I was going to say, if you were mad at your husband, boyfriend, etc., instead of doing a "Loreanna Bobbit" a.k.a "chopping the dickie" why not stay out of jail and just squeeze Bug Out Bob? Much safer. Take it from me. Oops. Did I really type that? Hee hee....

Now, here's ANOTHER way to relieve stress. Suppose you are shopping, shopping, shopping, and your husband says that you are spending too much money. Say what? He wants to take away your credit card. In fact, he DOES take the card out of your wallet. Now you are MAD with a capital "M". Here's how to relieve your stress. A "smack-him" punching bag.

Did you notice that you could insert a PHOTO where the head is, to PERSONALIZE the punching bag? Yeah. How 'bout that! *grinning widely*

Who DOESN'T like to pop bubble wrap that comes in packages? Here's your chance to pop it, and guess what? It NEVER runs out! That's right! This product simulates the sound and feel of bubble wrap.

You can thank me later. Better yet, drop a good word about me to Santa next time you should see him. He just doesn't believe a gal can be naughty AND nice! *wink*

I love a parade!

2011-12-10T15:13:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was our "Winter Wonderland Parade" here in the park. It's always fun to see what ideas the crazy people here come up with and how they decorate themselves, their golf carts, or bicycles. They didn't disappoint this year.

Every one of our parades begins with a local boy scout troop walking with both American and Canadian flags. (The park is made up of about 50% with visitors from Canada for the winter.)

This was a new addition this year:

I especially like the fake "snow" coming off the back of the boat!

The line dancers from our park. That's one of my friends, Thelma, in the center, giving us her special hand wave!

Ah-ooga!

Looks like Santa's reindeer don't know if they're coming or going!

Jim was in this group of kazoo players. What a crazy group! They actually practiced 4 or 5 times! They played Jingle Bells! That's Jim in the center, back, with his long sleeved red shirt on and black suspenders. You'd NEVER see him in red - except for this!

Here they are making their way around the corner. I pointed Jim out for you.

This one is, "Grandma got run over by a reindeer!" Funny! But by the size of that reindeer, I hardly think it would have even left a mark!

This is the Fiesta Kitchen Band - most play kitchen instruments, although it looks like a lot of them are playing kazoos! Except for the "squeeze-box" man!

Another new addition this year - the pet parade!

How cute is this? Aww.....

Crazy I tell ya! She has her little doggy in the basket behind her.

Another nicely decorated golf cart.

Not a greatly focused shot, I know, but I just loved that little dog with the snowman's head on his butt!

Now, seriously, how could you not grin when you saw this?

The true meaning of "CHRISTmas""

I'm assuming this is supposed to be Joseph and ?

Okay, I admit, this was a LIT-TLE disturbing. I think she was supposed to be the pregnant Mary, but, seriously, a SMILEY face on the fat belly? Just weird.

But this makes up for it.....A cowgirl pooper-scooper dressed up in prison garb with the Christmas spirit!

A "smartly" decorated Smart Car. Groan!

That's a LOT of wrapping paper!

Vroom! Vroom!

And of course, what's a Christmas parade without the big guy in the red suit?

I hope you enjoyed the parade. I sure did!

Thursday's Things in a Row

2011-12-08T00:39:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday Jim and I ran an errand in downtown Mesa. There was a small arts festival going on, so we took a walk down the street to see what was for sale AND I was also on the hunt for things in a row.

I was happy to see this cute little train with its cars in a row. The "engineer" obliged me when I asked if I could take her picture.

Next we came upon these young ladies performing on stage.

I was drawn to this wonderful aroma nearby - it was kettlecorn - a combination of sweet and salty popcorn - being made and sold at a nearby booth. The guy saw me taking a photo and said, "Here, this will make you happy." And then poured some into my hand!

These odd glass balls called to me. They almost look like jelly fish with these tentacles hanging off the bottom.

Now, I've seen hair bows before, but never anything like this. Here are the bows, with a magnet in the center.

So first you choose a bow. Then you choose what kind of center you want. They are made out of bottle caps. They fit over the center magnet. Voila!

Here's a cool thing. Look at all these spiders in a row. I know, Gail, aren't you proud of me? Ha ha!

These are spider ornaments and come from this story.

The Legend of the Christmas Spider

Long ago in Germany, a mother prepared for Christmas Eve. She cleaned and scrubbed her home, chasing the spiders from the living room with her broom. The spiders fled to the attic and listened to the excitement as the Christmas tree was brought in and decorated. When all was quiet again, the little spiders crept back downstairs to see the beautiful tree. They were filled with happiness as they crawled along every branch, admiring the glittering beauty of each ornament. But alas, by the time they had finished climbing through the tree, it was completely draped with their dusty, gray cobwebs.

When the Christ child came, He smiled as He looked upon the happy little spiders; however, He knew the mother would be heartbroken when she saw the shrouded tree. So He reached out and touched the webs and, blessing them, turned them into silver and gold. Now the Christmas tree sparkled and shimmered and was even more beautiful than before. Thus the custom to have tinsel of silver and gold and a spider ornament amongst the other decorations on the Christmas tree was born.

Isn't that a wonderful story? Here's a close up of one of the spider ornaments. I'll say that the beads are in a row!

So even though I do NOT like spiders, and even though I do NOT have a Christmas tree, I bought one of these beautiful ornaments. Because some day I will again have room for a Christmas tree, but I will NEVER like spiders. Only jeweled ones!

Did you find anything interesting this week?

Signs - Have a What? Why Thank you!

2011-12-07T17:39:00.000-06:00

Saw this sign at a local American Legion Post. Obviously a word is missing. Or maybe not.

Either you fill in the blank:

Have a:

a) nice

b) crappy

c) wonderful

d) so-so

Day!

OR

They have the power to bestow an extra day upon the reader's life. You never know! If so, I'm hoping to pass their magic on to all MY readers! Ha ha!

For more signs, please visit Lesley here.

You're doing WHAT in the bathroom?

2011-12-06T13:02:00.000-06:00

I know all of my followers and readers come to my blog because of the wealth of knowledge I share with you on a number of eclectic subjects. Like when I wrote about "vodka soaked tampons", or "how to cut a pineapple", or what "burgoo" means; just to name a few.

Today I will not disappoint you. I am so anxious to share this bit of knowledge with you that I can hardly stand it.

Ready?

There's a new book out entitled, "Toilet Yoga". Because sometimes sh*t doesn't happen.

Seriously.

Okay.

So have you picked yourself up off of the floor yet?

Apparently, doing different yoga positions will help get things moving.

Here's a sample from the book.

This move is called "The Slider".

"Push off and let yourself go.(I don't think they literally mean "go" as in, er, poop.)

Proper positioning will encourage free motion through the twists and turns prior to exit." (i.e. sh*tting?)

THE MOVEMENT

"Straighten knees so feet are off the ground, extend arms in front parallel with legs. Hold for count of 10 and release. Repeat."

There is a warning posted on the page: "Slippery when wet. Not advisable after bathing."

Also has three toilets (out of five): Requires some core strength

Okay. So I'm the first to admit that I've never taken a yoga class; I don't know any of the positions. That position shown above doesn't seem too bad, and if sh*t happens, hey, that's great.

The web site only allows viewing of that one page of the book.

So I can only IMAGINE the other yoga positions.

Now this one isn't so bad.

I could sit there with my legs crossed (as if!) and IMAGINE myself pooping!

But this next position could be a LIT-TLE tricky!

You'd have to face the toilet tank. I guess you could always rest your feet on TOP of the toilet tank if you get tired.

Then there's this position.

Oh my gosh, would your head REST on the rim of the toilet seat? Yuck! What if your arms got tired and your head fell in the toilet? Oh, gross!

This next position you'd have to do NEXT to the toilet. If I did this I'd be stuck in this position and I'd have to call Jim into the room to help me. He'd walk in, see my big naked butt in the air and say, "What the HELL are you doing?"

Lastly, if you could do this position on the FLOOR you should be congratulated, let alone on a toilet. And if you can do this position, I am SURE you are not suffering from any constipation problems. Just saying. I mean, is this woman related to Gumby or WHAT?

In conclusion, if you are interested in this book, it is available here.

There are even t-shirts available.

I'm just happy to report that my bathroom is teeny-tiny.

So there will be NO yoga happening in there. Although when I sit on the pot, I DO resemble this photo:

Only I'm not a dog.

And my legs aren't crossed.

And I usually have a magazine on my lap.

Other than that this looks exactly like me.

Just remember - toilet yoga - you heard it here first.

Your welcome.

It's that Time Again!

2011-12-02T21:28:00.000-06:00

When I help you out with the do's and don'ts on your Christmas list. So fasten your seat belt and here goes!

I think this item should fall into the "don't even think about it" category. But I could be wrong. It's an over-the-shoulder sling....for your dog! It may be cute on these hot models, but I've got my own weight to schlep around. Plus MY PUPPIES are in a BRA. Ahem. So IF I had a dog, it would be walking on the sidewalk like any decent dog SHOULD. But that's just MY opinion.

This next item just cracked me up. Of course, I am a tea drinker, but still. I thought it was clever. What do you think?

Now here's a gift that I would tend to stay away from....unless it's a gag gift. Or you buy it for yourself. Silverware with dumb-bells on the handles. I bet you'd think twice about shoving food in your mouth! Ha ha!

I think this is a cute item for a dorm or apartment. They are called "Handjob hooks"!

Now this item would be in bad taste, although it WOULD be funny. It's called "Dysfunctional Family Bingo" and includes categories like: staged family photo, hormonal imbalance, self medicating, door slamming, inedible family recipe, weight crack, political debate, and many, many, more.

For the Scrabble lovers, or Words with Friends freaks, these coasters are ideal.

Some crazy stocking stuffers:

Who WOULDN'T want a bottle opener always on hand - LITERALLY?

For that kid you just don't know what to buy!

Aren't these adorable?

Now who couldn't use these in a pinch? Says that they are "unisex" and can fit a child or small adult!

And finally, who wouldn't want to wear this pin?

At first glance I thought it said, "Just say Ho 3 times". Then I noticed that the 3 stood for 3 INCHES.Oh. Maybe I DON'T want to wear this! Never mind!

Have I made your shopping any easier? You can thank me later!

Thursday's Things in a Row

2011-12-01T00:00:00.002-06:00

Wow. Hard to believe it's December 1st already! I had to bump my turkey header and search through my photos for a winter scene. Because even though it was a high of 77 yesterday in Arizona, many of you are experiencing cold weather and that white stuff called "snow"!

These weekly "things in a row" posts are coming up faster than I can keep up! The other day Jim and I had stopped at the local mall and I walked past the double-decker carousel. I instantly thought, "Aha! Things in a Row!" Luckily I had my small point and shoot camera in my purse, so I whipped that baby out.

I know you can't see the third animal in that shot, but I wanted you to see how magnificent that tiger looked. Let's see - the things in a row in that shot are his stripes!

The 45,000-pound Victorian carousel cost more than $500,000, stands 26 feet high, and is 36 feet in diameter. It seats 40 and has 24 animals, a spinning teapot and a chariot on the ground level. The upper level has eight animals and two chariots. Riders can choose from a sea dragon, rabbit, eagle, Bengal tiger, triceratops, giraffe, deer, ostrich, elephant, white tiger, or a gorilla.

I love the reflection in these mirrors that ran completely around the top of the carousel.

The battery in my camera died before I was able to take a photo of the complete carousel, so this photo is from the internet:

What kind of things did you find this week?

Signs - Life in a Small Town

2011-11-30T16:14:00.000-06:00

I saw this sign behind the register while paying for my breakfast at a little diner in a small town. I think it speaks the truth!

For more signs, visit Lesley here.

Help Me Out Here

2011-11-29T22:03:00.000-06:00

Last week at our Thanksgiving party, the band was playing all kinds of songs. I requested, "Lake Shore Drive" or "LSD" by Aliotta, Hanes, and Jeremiah. My Canadian friends had never heard of this song. Because I grew up in the Chicagoland area, I'm wondering if this was just a hit in my area. The song is about Lake Shore Drive, the famous road that runs along Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago. Here's a clip from YouTube. I'm curious to see how many people recognize this song.

What say you? Have you heard this song before?

Sunday Bridges - Magnolia Gardens

2011-11-27T10:44:00.000-06:00

It was an overcast day when we visited Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina, but it didn't deter from the beauty of the place. This red bridge really stands out among all the greenery of the area. The heavy Spanish moss hanging from the trees; the lily pads in the water.

For more bridges, visit Louis here.

Thanksgiving in Arizona

2011-11-25T20:07:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving with 47 people! There was good food, good friends, good music, and so-so weather. It was overcast most of the day, a few sprinkles here and there, but NOTHING could put a damper on our spirits!

Our hosts, Sandy and Carol, ordered tables and chairs from the park's party wagon. The street was blocked off, and the tables were set up in the street. Everyone contributed a dish to pass, brought their own dishes, cutlery and drinks. Throw in some live music, and PRESTO! We have a PARTY!

We were entertained by:

Van

Doug

Henry came up and sang and Roman added his guitar.

Henry and his wife, Diane, sang an adorable duet.

I warmed up the crowd with a Thanksgiving joke. They were polite enough to laugh.

We have some crazy people in the park! Here are Lou and Jim, our kazoo aficionados.

I don't know why Jim has three kazoos in his mouth at one time; either he's extraordinarily talented or full of a LOT of hot air! Ha ha!

It sprinkled on us a couple of times, and no one was more prepared than Lou, the man of many hats.

Meanwhile, I arm wrestled David at our table. I don't recall what the bet was about, but I DID lose, darn it!

Not all my friends are here yet in Arizona. But here's the majority of the clan:

Table # 1 (l to r): Ken, Pat, Judy, Bob, Steve, Thelma

Table #2 (l to r): Pat, Ellen, David, Doug, Lenore, me, Jim, Bob.

A neighbor said a blessing before our meal.

Although it looks like the man next to me is toasting my ta-ta's, he in fact is SECONDING MY TOAST to our lovely hosts Sandy and Carol.

The meal:

Buns, Chinese salad, cole slaw

Candied apples, cranberry sauce, fruit salad, cranberry jello mold, Watergate salad, corn, carrots, green bean casserole, stuffing

Sandy quickly removed the lids from the hot foods while the hungry mob waits anxiously!

There are FIVE, count 'em, 5, turkeys sliced up in the warmer, next to three crock pots full of mashed potatoes, two large pots of gravy and one large container of sweet potatoes.

Does this resemble a soup kitchen?

Everyone "gobbled" up their food, and then....bing, bang, boom, some of the tables were taken down to make room for dancing!

I had to laugh when I saw some of the women who couldn't resist dancing when they heard the music, even though they were in the middle of folding up the tablecloths!

I'm a sucker for a slow dance!

Dance, dance, dance

Rain dance?

Our hosts - Sandy (l) and Carol (r) doing the polka

Line dancing

Crowd participation

"Reaching out, touching me, touching yoooouuu! Sweet Caroline! Ba ba ba!"

I love this next photo - I have to thank my husband for capturing it. It's a prime example of the fun that I have here in Arizona with my friends - we laugh A LOT here - and as you may see - there are many bottles of wine on the table - and yeah - that helps. But this is a great group of friends and I am thankful for them - thanks for making my holiday wonderful. You are my family away from home.

Towards the end of the day, blue skies!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

2011-11-24T08:51:00.000-06:00

Finally, when you're thinking of all the things you are grateful for, be sure to add that you are grateful not to be a turkey!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and delicious Thanksgiving!

Signs - Food for Thought

2011-11-23T15:43:00.000-06:00

Saw this sign at a restaurant recently. So glad I have my little Canon Power Shot in my purse just for these occasions!

For more signs, visit Lesley here.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

2011-11-21T20:49:00.000-06:00

Do you know that there are some people who are all ready for Christmas?

I am not one of them!

I have picked up a couple of things here and there, but that's about it. I'm just not into the season yet. Maybe it's because I don't put up ANY Christmas decorations. Sad, isn't it? And it's not because I don't WANT to, but because we don't have any with us in the trailer, and don't have any room to store them OR display them. I've flown home every year for the holidays to be with my kids, so at least I enjoy my family's decorations.

Are you planning to fight the crowds on Black Friday? It used to be fun for me, but now? Meh. I'd rather order things on line and get the free shipping.

Our Thanksgiving will be spent with an intimate little crowd of around 50 people! My good friends Carole and Sandy are sponsoring the party, and everyone is pitching in! There will be 5 turkeys, salads, vegetables, potatoes, appetizers, and desserts. Spending the holiday with a large crowd doesn't make me feel so homesick.

So are you one of those people who already have their shopping done and their presents wrapped?

Just a note: Thursday's Things in a Row will be postponed till next week!

Sunday Bridges - A Trio of Bridges

2011-11-20T11:13:00.000-06:00

Could you imagine having THREE bridges on your property? While visiting a friend in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, she took us to see the house of another friend. We just walked along the property as the owners weren't home, but I was able to take photos of their lovely bridges. This first one shows Lake Geneva in the background.

A small creek comes off of the lake and runs along the property; this bridge connects up to the house.

This bridge is a driveway that leads to the back of the property.

Front view

All three are gorgeous in their own way.

For more bridges, visit Louis here.

Thursday's Things in a Row

2011-11-17T00:43:00.000-06:00

This week's "Things in a row" are from the park where we spend the winter.

I found these saguaros (pronounced "suh-wahr-oh") standing tall and proud:

The shuffleboards were oiled and readied for play.

The scoreboards were cleaned and waiting for marks. The benches are neatly lined up, too!

We have our own post office in the park; here are just some of the mail boxes.

Here is a rare sight indeed! Empty loungers at the pool!

Now THIS is a more common sight.....bicycles parked in a row. Riding a bicycle is a popular form of transportation in the park; then comes a golf cart.

Palm trees line the main drive of the park. I took this first photo from a second story window at sunset last week. Since this photo was taken, white lights have been added to the trunk of each palm tree so it is really lit up at night.

Here are the trees during the day. Still an impressive sight, with the humongous American Flag waving at the entrance to the park.

That's a little tour of where I spend my winter months. What have you got from your neck of the woods?

Signs - Faster than what?

2011-11-16T13:09:00.000-06:00

I spied this sign as we were driving through a small town on our journey down to Arizona. I'm not even sure what STATE we were in (not as in state of confusion, because that's always a given when you are constantly moving your house), but as in what STATE in the United States. I think this was a phone service store. I shot this right out of the truck's window before the light changed.

For more signs, visit Lesley here.

From the "You've GOT to be Kidding Me" File

2011-11-15T13:50:00.000-06:00

Okay everyone! I've cracked open the "You've got to be kidding me" file, and these are what fell out:

These shoes are NOT made for walking!
Christian Louboutin makes beautiful shoes, but, c'mon, THESE are ridiculous! These are 8-inch heels! Talk about a face plant! The only way I could wear these is if I were lying on the ground!

What's that smell....or not
Every once in awhile you may read a story of a person who has an odd pet. Or two.

Or fourteen.

And they are skunks.

You heard me.

Brenda and Don Hoch from Hudson, FL have owned skunks since 2006, and accept skunks from the local rescue. Florida is only one of two states that allow skunks for pets. Their scent glands are removed when they are 2-3 weeks old. Many skunks start out as pets and later are found abandoned along the road. Brenda and Don started accepting the little abandoned critters after they had purchased their first skunk at a pet shop.

Why a skunk as opposed to a cat?

Brenda said: "They're much more affectionate than a cat. They love to be held and petted. Plus they know how to use a litter box. Like a dog they will come when called by their name and understand simple commands. "They don't bark, however, or make much noise at all except for some growling at each other when it's dinner time. (The Sun)

Besides the 14 skunks, they also have 3 dogs - 2 greyhounds and one lab. The skunks have been known to cuddle up with the dogs and sleep.

Whatever floats your boat I guess!

Speaking of Odors....
Lucy McCrae of the Netherlands has teamed up with a synthetic biologist to created a pill to make your sweat smell nice.

No, really, I'm serious.

"Swallowable Parfum is a digestible scented capsule that emits a unique odor through your own perspiration," McCrae writes on her website. Every person will smell differently because of our genetic makeup.

Huh.

So when my husband tries to tell me there's a difference when he sweats - "clean" versus "stinky" sweat (obviously he's lost his sense of smell as he's gotten older), I can now pop a fragrance pill in his orange juice before he goes off to exercise so we can add a third version - perfumed sweat!

You're putting what where?
Speaking of putting questionable things into your body, have you heard the latest craze that the youngun's have been up to?

It seems that teens are soaking tampons in vodka and inserting them in their, um, body cavities.

And - tampons are not just for girls anymore. Boys are doing it, too.

The advantages (if you want to call it that) of absorbing vodka through a body cavity versus drinking it?

a) no alcohol smell on the breath

b) supposedly no side effects of throwing up

c) the person gets drunk faster and the high is more intense because the alcohol is absorbed right into the blood stream instead of if a person were to DRINK the alcohol and it goes through the stomach and less alcohol is absorbed.

There have been cases of alcohol poisoning from this, and even if a teen is brought into the ER, doctors don't always think to look, um, below the waist for a problem.

A super sized tampon holds a shot of vodka. (In case you were wondering.)

I'm still wondering how anyone could insert a fully absorbed tampon; that would be like trying to push a wet noodle through a colander. Or something like that.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
Remember as a kid how you just couldn't wait for the ice cream truck to come through your neighborhood? You'd hear that familiar tinkle of that music and you'd yell, "The ice cream man! Ma! Can I buy some ice cream?"

You memba, right?

My how things have changed.

People will be screaming for the ice cream truck. But it will probably be just men.

That's because the women driving the truck are "scantily clad" and look like Playboy models. It's called the Aphrodisiac Ice Cream truck.

I know that "sex sells", but isn't this just wrong? I mean, selling flavors like "Chocolate 3sumVanilla Quickie" and "Aphrodisiac Orgy"? Geesh, they can sell them at $10 a pop and a guy wouldn't care as long as he was served by someone looking like that! But if that wasn't enough, there is even an ice cream shot that can be eaten right off one of the girls.

And then there are the stripper poles on top of the van.

Their web site states that the Aphrodisiac van is great for "crazy wild parties to family gatherings..."

I can see it now. A great addition to the grandma's birthday party.

Well, maybe it'd be more appropriate for GRANDPA'S. Get that ole thumper going faster!

And that's this edition of the "YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!"

Try not cry when you read/see this

2011-11-14T00:00:00.001-06:00

Maybe you've heard this story already. Maybe not. But I just couldn't pass up the opportunity of sharing it with all of you.

This is a story about a friendship between two unlikely animals.

An elephant named Tarra,

and a dog named Bella.

Tarra is an Asian elephant from Burma, born in 1974. Soon after Tarra came to the United States, a ban was put on Asian Elephants as they were considered an endangered species. For the next 20 years, Tarra entertained audiences all over the world in circuses, amusement parks, zoos and videos. Once she got tired of entertaining, an Elephant Sanctuary was opened in Hohenwald, TN and Tarra was the first resident. This sanctuary is now the nation's largest natural habitat which has been developed specifically to meet the needs of endangered elephants.

Elephants usually come to the sanctuary alone, but soon match up with another elephant for companionship. (All are females).

Except Tarra.

Tarra matched up with Bella. Or vice versa. Bella first showed up at the Sanctuary in the Fall of 2003. There are other stray dogs wandering the Sanctuary, but they tend to stay away from the elephants.

Not Bella.

Maybe it had something to do with the fact that when she was found on some newly acquired property, she was guarding a bulldozer. Then she moved on to a four-wheeler, and finally Tarra.

The two were fast friends, albeit, an odd couple. They ate together, played together, and sometimes even slept together.

Watch this video to see them in action.

In April 2007, Bella had a spinal cord injury and had to spend a few weeks immobile in the office. Tarra stood guard nearby. She missed her pal. Watch this video of their reunion. But beware......Bella just passed away recently, and Tarra can not be consoled.

There is a book and a video about Tarra and Bella available on the Sanctuary's website. Also, more information about the sanctuary can be found there. Have a look around. And here is a tribute to Bella.

I hope that Bella and Tarra will reunite in heaven. They made quite the pair, didn't they?

Sunday Bridges - Crossing the Missouri River

2011-11-12T20:51:00.000-06:00

This is crossing the Missouri River in Kansas. For more bridges, visit Louis here.

Weekend Reflections - A Blast from the Past

2011-11-11T13:31:00.000-06:00

Saw this cute little get-up recently on our travels when we stopped at a campground in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Now THAT'S what I call traveling in style!

For more reflections, visit James at Weekend Reflections.

Thursday's Things in a Row

2011-11-10T00:00:00.004-06:00

If it's Thursday it must be one of two things: wash day or Things in a Row day.

On a recent trip to the laundromat, which was on a Thursday, I found several things in a row.

Top loading washers:

Front loading washers:

Carts:

and dryers:

So, yeah, that was a little boring. Yawn. I decided to take a walk outside to see what I could find.

The first thing I saw was this crazy looking tree, or what was ONCE a tree.

Now I ask you, why would ANYONE save this? Wouldn't you cut this down? What an eyesore! And what was really funny was seeing a squirrel running down the tree! He stood out like a sore thumb! I was sorry to have missed the shot!

Just across the street and down the block I found all these lamp posts standing in a row.

I guess there's more things in a row in the above photo - plants around each lamp post, striped parking spots, and telephone wires, jump right out at me!

In the parking lot of the laundromat I found these pretty red flowers lined up in a row against the fence, whose pickets were all lined up, you guessed it, in a row. Does anyone know the name of these flowers?

And finally, I spied these raindrops just begging to have their photo taken. Look how nicely they lined up for me on this leaf!

So maybe my laundromat Things in a Row wasn't so boring after all!

What have you got this week?

Signs - No Masks!

2011-11-09T13:39:00.000-06:00

I forgot to post this photo last week for my sign. I thought it was appropriate being Halloween week. Oh well, that's me. Always late.

Saw this sign on a convenience store door on Halloween.

I asked the cashier, "You SERIOUSLY have to post a sign like that?"

"Yes", she said.

I wonder if someone tried to rob them previously on Halloween with a funny mask on. Hmmm.....

For more signs, visit Lesley here.

Field Trip with Lily

2011-11-08T15:25:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks before we left Illinois, we picked up our granddaughter, Lily, and took her on a little field trip. We had never done this before, and she was so excited to go out with Papa and Gwama!

We took a drive into the country to see "The Witness Tree", a beautiful 250-year old burr oak tree.

The branches of this towering tree spread out over 80 feet, and the trunk's circumference measures 14 feet!

This tree has served as a landmark and meeting place for over 200 years! In the 19th century, Chief Shabbona of the Potawatomi Indians held council here, along with the Fox and Sauk tribes.

Could you imagine all what these branches have heard?

The tree received its name because it was a witness, or reference point, for surveyors of the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad during the building of the railroad through Mineral Township.

After we left there, we stopped at the Hennepin Canal.

Lily threw rocks in the water with Papa.

I explained to Lily about her shadow and how she was stepping on it! She got a kick out of that!

And finally, when we were driving back to our daughter's house, I had glanced in the mirror and saw Lily doing this. I couldn't resist taking a photo while looking in the mirror.

This was taken before her eye surgery. You can see her one eye was wandering a little there. Now her eyes are perfectly straight and she is doing great after the surgery!

All for the Ta-Ta's - Part Boob, I mean Two

2011-11-06T20:10:00.000-06:00

These are the rest of the fantastic bras from the Art Bra Exhibit shown at the Women's Expo that was held at the park where I stay for the winter. If you missed Part One, click here.

"Beverly's Bra" made by my friend Rachel and dedicated to her sister-in-law, Beverly, who recently lost her life to breast cancer.

Boobie Trap

Bouncing Buds

Chicken Breast

Good & Plenty

Hooters

Knockers Up

Life without a Mammogram

Look at these Puppies!

Over Easy "Yokes on You"

Peep-a-boo

Sugar Tits

Texas Hold 'Em

Z-Bra

With the $5 entry fee, we got 5 raffle tickets. Prizes were displayed all along one wall. There was a box in front of each prize. I could deposit either 1 or up to 5 tickets in the box for a drawing. I chose which prize or prizes I was interested in.

Prizes included gift baskets, picture, therapeutic pillow and more.

These quilts were also prizes. Aren't they beautiful?

I won a door prize from the Women's Expo. It was a basket filled with kitchen "stuff".

Two spatulas, flexible cutting boards, to-do-list, shopping list, tablet, pizza party music, plastic drinking bottle (not shown) plastic container for trinkets or whatever, measuring cups and spoons, and coffee.

On Saturday Night there was a Hot Pink Fundraiser Dance. It cost $5 to get in, and they encouraged everyone to wear pink. The music was provided by the local talent of our park. First off:

Roman (l) and Steve (r)

then

Van

Next up, our good friend Doug, half of the group "Plan B". (The other half, David, hadn't arrived in AZ yet.) Doug can play a mean guitar!

Then E.J. took the stage. Curtis joined her in the first number. The two of them made beautiful music together!

If you could have seen this women a couple of years ago, you wouldn't believe THIS is the same person. She was in a wheel chair ALL THE TIME and was about 100 pounds heavier. Doesn't she look great?

E.J.

Curtis is a GREAT entertainer. He can sing country and western, to Motown, to Elvis. And he's a wonderful guy, too!

Line dancing is a favorite at the park.

Of COURSE, it wouldn't be a dance without the DISCO BALL, right?

During the halfway point of the dance, some of the bras were brought in for those who didn't get to see them in the exhibit. But this time - they were on LIVE models.


This is our friend Don. He told us that he was embarrassed to do this, but it was for a good cause.

What a sweet tutu!

This was the big bra hanging above the door to the exhibit. I TOLD you it was big!

All of a sudden, Don doesn't seem so embarrassed, does he as he attacks our other friend, Mike.

There was a contest to see who wore the most pink. There was a tie between these three women. The man won because not only did he have a pink shirt, but also pink shorts under his pants!

(Camille, activities director all the way on the right)

Now, if you've been following my blog for awhile, and you've seen pictures of my husband, Jim, you may have noticed that he's always wearing a green shirt (or a slight variation of that color). He DOES own more than one shirt; he just likes the same KIND of shirt, and the same color. He is DULL with a capital "D" when it comes to clothes. I tried to convince him to buy a pink button down shirt for the occasion, but it was a no-go.

So this was Jim's version of "wearing pink" to the dance.


Pink napkins (that they gave out AT THE DANCE) stuffed into his pockets. DO YOU FEEL MY PAIN PEOPLE?

I have to add that Jim was NOT DRUNK in the above photo, although it looks like he is! He was sitting next to me and I asked him to move a little bit so I could take his photo. I have no idea why he cranked his head that way. Wait, did he REALLY do that, or was it just me and my camera? For it was ME who was feeling pretty darn good after guzzling a bottle of wine. Hiccup!

And so, that was my wild and fun weekend at the resort. And it's only week one. Oh boy!

All For the Ta-Ta's

2011-11-05T01:27:00.000-05:00

The park where I stay for the winter sponsored a Women's Expo and Art Bra Exhibit on Friday to raise money for the Susan B. Komen breast cancer fund.

The Women's Expo was held in the ballroom, and consisted of vendors selling their wares of T-shirts, blouses, skirts, scarves, purses, jewelry, candles, and many, many other things.

The expo was free, and upon entering, everyone received a raffle ticket for a door prize. The first 250 people received a goodie bag with some crackers, cookies, and brochures.

This is Jill, one of the workers at the event, dressed in her pink outfit.

This woman was a vendor, with her little companion Lucy (wearing a pink bow for the occasion!)

A fashion show was held every hour with women from the park modeling clothes from some of the vendors that were present at the expo.

Then the "bra of the hour" was brought out on display to entice people to come see the Art Bra Exhibit. There was a $5 donation fee to enter, and of course, all proceeds went to breast cancer.

The "Mardi Gras" bra. On the table in the back - door prizes.

Besides the above mentioned vendors, there were also representatives there for the wellness and beauty of women. One woman sold make-up, another was styling hair, another sold some kind of powder product for nutrition. What I took advantage of was the FREE 5-minute massage that was offered in the corner. Yep - that had my name all over it!

I requested that my neck be massaged. If this picture could talk, it would sound like, "ooh, baby, yeah, right there, yeah" and there would NOT be sex involved.

Yes, that's moi with my face planted in the pillow - luckily there's a hole to breathe!

This here is Sandy, a wonderful person and a wonderful volunteer. She was selling raffle tickets for a beautiful quilt and for Saturday's benefit dance.

I must say that the decorations committee did a spectacular job. Here are a couple of their masterpieces.

This one is in the lobby of the main building, before going into the Art Bra exhibit.

This Humongous Hooter Holder was hanging above the entrance to the bra exhibit. I couldn't even imagine the size of these babies!

The Art Bra Exhibit was held in the pool hall (as in pool tables). It was amazing how they had changed the room into a beautiful exhibit.

There were at least 80 bras in the exhibit - all were fabulous. I am going to show you the extremely funny ones or ones that really struck me. Hold on to your ta-ta's and be prepared to be impressed.

SWEET MELONS

PINATA PRINCESS

STORE YOUR FLOPPIES HERE BY COMPUTER CLUB

HIT THE SWEET SPOT BY TENNIS CLUB

TRAINING BRA

OVER THE SHOULDER BOULDER HOLDER

Aren't these clever? We had such a laugh over them! I'll show you the second half in my next post. Oh, and you can let go of your ta-ta's till then!

Thursday's Things in a Row

2011-11-03T00:00:00.002-05:00

Traveling on the road this past week I saw many, many things in a row! Most photos were taken from the passenger seat of our truck.

It was a LIT-TLE scary when this semi-truck passed us by with these large bales of hay.

Could you imagine trying to dodge one of those bad boys if they rolled off the truck? And then THIS truck passed us by with even BIGGER bales of hay!

There must be some BIG animals eating that hay!

I spied these designs in the cement sound barrier walls along the highway.

Now THIS is eye pollution! Look at all these billboards (as far as the eye can see) advertising available products at the upcoming exit. Talk about overkill!

At a stop in Gallup, NM, I saw the next four things in a row:

These beautiful Totem Poles

This picture of an Native American Storyteller.

Chili peppers hanging from string.

And this statue of dolphins.

Finally, at a campground in Holbrook, AZ, I saw these petrified rocks all lined up so nicely, just for me!

And so, my little darlings, I have covered 8 states looking for things in a row! We are now settled in Mesa, Arizona for the winter months. What have you found in YOUR neck of the woods?

Signs - Fresh Pies!

2011-11-02T19:43:00.000-05:00

This cool sign hung outside "The Pie Shop" in a small town in Minnesota. The little shop served delicious pies and was located right along the bike path.

For more interesting signs, visit Lesley here.

Happy Halloween!!

2011-10-31T00:00:00.004-05:00

This time of year always reminds me of when I saw one of the scariest movies that I can remember.

It was called

HALLOWEEN

with a new actress named Jaime Lee Curtis. I don't remember the name of the actor who played opposite of her. But I DO remember his name in the movie.

MICHAEL MYERS

This movie came out in 1978.

It set the bar for how scary movies SHOULD be made, as far as I'm concerned. There wasn't too much blood and guts. There was more scary scenes like Michael wearing the mask and peering in the window: Or jumping out at people.

Let me set it up for you. My friends and I decided to see this movie at the show. First we went out to dinner after work, then to a small movie theater in Chicago that we had never been to, in a neighborhood some of us were not familiar with. Why, I am not sure. It was Fall, of course, so it was dark by the time we went to the show. We got into the theater and sat down. I can't remember if there were three or four of us. Anyway, the movie started and got our attention right off the bat. The music alone got my heart rate going. For some reason, I STILL don't know why, I happened to glance back at the man sitting behind me on my left. He had a HOOK arm. I almost wet my pants. I continued to glance back at him throughout the movie and thought, "If this guy puts that hook on my shoulder I will SCREAM!" I really was kind of frightened of him. It's not too often that you see someone with a hook for a hand; let alone while watching a scary movie!

At one point in the movie my friend Chris leaned over and whispered, "Why is it so dark?" (talking about the movie). Suddenly Michael Myers jumped out of the darkness wielding his big butcher knife and shoved it in some kid's chest, nailing him 6 inches off the ground to the laundry room wall.

"THAT'S WHY!!" I whispered back.

We had a good laugh about that later, but at the time it scared the bejesus out of us!

After the movie was over we hurried to my friend's car, climbed in, and, you guessed it....her car wouldn't start. Well, now I was having visions of ole hook arm coming after us! Luckily my other friend Teresa called up her boyfriend to come look at the car. It didn't take him too long to get there, which was good because if memory serves me right, the theater closed and we were left all alone in the parking lot. It was a LIT-TLE SCARY.

So seeing Halloween on the big screen, the man with the hook arm, and the car breaking down in a strange neighborhood, all left a scary impression on me.

I will NOT watch scary movies on my own. I used to go to the show with my scary-movie-watcher-friend, Jan, but sadly she passed away suddenly, 2 years ago. She would get a kick out of me screaming in the theater, hitting her, or holding her hand during the scary scenes. Why would I subject myself to that?

I don't know. Just crazy, I guess.

Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!

Watch a clip......if you DARE!

Scenes from the Road

2011-10-29T23:44:00.000-05:00

Hello darlings. This is one tired old broad. Last you heard from me, we were in Des Moines, Iowa. Well, since then, we've traveled through:

and

and now we are in:

That may sound like a lot of driving, but we've actually only gone around 1,000 miles! Since it is so late in the month for us to be coming down to Arizona, we are not touring, but just driving, stopping for the night, and leaving the next morning.

That means I had to just wave at this sign:

and hope that maybe we can stop there another time. This is the exit for the Madison County Bridges, made famous in the movie with Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood.

I am enjoying our ride down as far as the scenery goes.......the fall colors have been spectacular. There's the advantage for driving down later in the month! See for yourself.

I like how this vibrant red tree is standing right near a totally barren one!

We saw some interesting and/or funny things on the road:

Don't know what "Bob's" was, but it was awful inviting!

Saw this fancy semi-truck at a rest stop:

Let's zoom in on the extra large cab, shall we?

Notice the words "Smith&Wesson" in large letters?

You know, we see Harley Davidson stores everywhere we travel. But this is the FIRST time I saw one of these stores in a BARN! I actually did a double take and almost didn't get the picture taken!

I sure hope the employees don't wear bib overalls!

I saw this beautiful wagon train sculpture in Kansas as we were leaving our campground.

This guy stands about three stories high, just look how he dwarfs the big trucks in the parking lot! I think "Terrible's Casino" is a Terrible name! I wonder if anybody ever wins any money?

I found these telephone poles to be a little mesmerizing....I don't know if they were in the process of replacing them with the straight poles or what.

Out of the five campgrounds we've stayed at so far, two were really nice, three were, meh. The next two photos were taken at one of the nicer campgrounds.

And finally, we KNEW we were getting into the southwest when we saw one of these roll across the road:

Have a great rest of the weekend.

Thursday's Things in a Row

2011-10-27T00:00:00.002-05:00

Old MacDonald had a farm....EIEIO.

And on that farm he had some chickens. EIEIO

With a bawk, bawk here.......

Old MacDonald had a farm...EIEIO. And on that farm he had some turkeys. EIEIO.

With a gobble, gobble here.....

Old MacDonald had a farm...EIEIO. And on that farm he had some roosters. EIEIO.

With a cock-a-doodle doo here.......

Old MacDonald had a farm...EIEIO. And on that farm he had some ducks. EIEIO.

With a quack, quack here......

Old MacDonald had a farm...EIEIO. And on that farm he had some sheep. EIEIO. But there were only two and you need at least three to make a row, EIEIO. So I have no pictures to show.

These photos were actually taken at Hank's Farm, in Ottawa, IL, which has a Curious Goods store that sells all kinds of things. There is also a good restaurant, AND all these animals are walking all over the grounds.

I remembered at the last minute about Thursday's Things In a Row. I'm losing track of days because we are on the road making our way down to Arizona!

What have you got for me this week?

Signs - Winslow, AZ

2011-10-26T18:51:00.000-05:00

Taken in Winslow, Arizona a few years ago as we were passing through.

This should bring back memories for a lot of you! Are you singing the song "Take it Easy" by The Eagles? No? Well, here, watch the video and that will get you singing!

For more signs, visit Lesley here.

Welcome to Iowa

2011-10-26T09:53:00.000-05:00

Well folks, last night I laid my head down in a small town just outside of Des Moines. We got on the road as soon as we heard that Lily got a good report from the doctor.

The clouds rolled in and we drove through a few minutes of rain here and there. Sometimes the sun broke through the clouds and the lighting was awesome. My header photo is one I shot from the truck window.

I played with the photo a little. Which one do you like best?

I used the "posterized" effect here.

Same photo, but with the "topography" effect

Some things I saw on the road:

Turbine propeller

This sign directs you to the town of What Cheer, Iowa. Who wouldn't want to live there?

Founded in 1865, it was first named Petersburg, after the settlement's founder Peter Britton. But the Post Office rejected the name! I don't know why the name was rejected, but isn't that a slap in the face? Joseph Andrews, a veteran of the Civil War, suggested the name of "What Cheer", and the town officially changed it's name in 1879. So I'm not sure if it was named Petersburg UNTIL 1879, or if it was a town with no name until that date. There are many theories behind the name of "What Cheer":

What cheer with you is an ancient English greeting dating back to the 15th century. Supposedly a Scottish miner exclaimed, "What cheer!" when finding a seam of coal near the town.
Some think that Joseph Andrews chose the name because of the connection to his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island. When Roger Williams, (a theologian who began Providence Plantation), arrived in Providence in 1636, he was greeted by the Narragansett native Americans with "What Cheer, Netop". "Netop" means "friend". The native Americans picked up What Cheer from the English Settlers.

This company does some eye-catching advertising for farm equipment!

We got to our campground, which is situated on a farm. We had to pull into the farm to register. This is the outside of the office.

Looks friendly, doesn't it? Inside we met the owner, and her cat, Pillsbury.

To get to the campground, we had to leave the farm, go back out onto the road, turn down a side road, then another road, to get to the back "forty" as they say. Although it was bigger than that! We were surprised at how nice and clean the campground was; most of the sites were paved. There was a large building that had a game room, bathrooms and laundry.

There were huge statues all over the park.

We walked to see the horses in the field. They wouldn't come to us, even though Jim whistled and I made kissing noises. Darn!

A road less traveled

And we're off again!

Update on Lily

2011-10-24T19:13:00.000-05:00

Thank all of you for your prayers for my granddaughter, Lily. Her eye surgery went well this morning.

A few days ago, my daughter, Jessica, had explained to Lily a little bit of what was going to happen to her. Last night she said, "Lily, either Mommy or Daddy will come and get you and it will still be dark out. It will be an adventure!" Jessica said.

Lily turned to me and said, "An adventure, Gwamma!"

Jessica continued. "Then Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, Papa, and you are going to pile into the car and we are going to go for a long drive. And then we will go to the doctor. He will look at your eyes."

"That will hurt!" Lily said. (That kid's no dummy!)

This morning when Lily came downstairs, she was all excited to go on the adventure. We adults felt a little guilty because we KNEW the truth. The ride to the hospital took an hour. Lily pointed out the moon several times and told us that she saw animals as we passed a wooded area! This kid has such a vivid imagination.

By the time they actually took Lily to surgery, it was 8 a.m. The first time she cried was when the male nurse picked her up and took her away.

The doctor and anesthesiologist had reassured my daughter that there were no lingering gasses in the operating room and that it was safe for Lily to have surgery in there. Because of the chance that Lily might have Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) (allergic reaction to some triggering anesthetics) her surgery was the first of the day.

The surgery lasted almost 2 hours. There was some concern because Lily developed a fever and her heart rate had escalated; two signs of MH. But they kept a close eye on her, and gave her tylenol for the fever and she was okay.

There is a slight swelling around her eyes, some bruising, and both eyes are bloodshot. She's having a little rough time at home, not being able to keep anything down and feeling nauseous from the anesthesia. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. It's so hard to see a little one go through this!

Thank you all, again, for your prayers. Jessica, Dave, Jim, Lily, and I, appreciate them so very much!

If everything goes well with Lily tomorrow, we will begin our trek south to Arizona.

Busy Times

2011-10-23T00:00:00.005-05:00

The next few days will be busy. Today we are going to my daughter's church where they will be doing a special "laying of the hands" on our granddaughter, Lily.

You may recall that she is having corrective surgery on both eyes tomorrow morning. The hospital is an hour away from my daughter's house; the surgery is scheduled for 7:30 am. Lily has to be there by 6:30 am.

You do the math.

Yep. We have to leave by 5:30 am at the latest.

To make things easier, Jim and I will stay overnight so we don't have to get up any earlier than necessary and drive the 1/2 hour to my daughter's house.

The surgery should last around 2 hours. An hour an eye? I wonder.

Again please remember Lily in your prayers. I hope to be able to update you on her condition.

The very next day (Tuesday) we head for Arizona. We don't drive very far each day (between 200-300 miles); this is due to the stiffness of my bones and the uncomfortable seat in the truck! We are planning on stopping and setting up each night (versus staying a couple of days here and there). Jim is anxious to get to Arizona! So it will be a tiring week and my postings may be sporadic. I hope to be reading your blogs, but I may not always comment!

Take care everyone! Hope you all have a good week!

Is it hot in here or is it just me?

2011-10-22T13:22:00.000-05:00

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CAUTION!! SEXUAL CONTENT!! DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU ARE BOTHERED BY PHOTOS OF NUDE STATUES IN SEXUAL POSITIONS!!
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So here's what happened. I was fully clothed, wearing jeans, a long sleeved shirt, a fleece vest, socks, shoes, had a blanket wrapped around my legs and the heat cranked up to 73 in the trailer. It probably was in the 40's OUTSIDE, but the trailer just doesn't hold heat if the furnace isn't running.

Anyway, I digress.

I was surfing the net, catching up on the different blogs I follow; not only all of yours, but ones like Post Secret, or Oddities, etc. And I stumbled across this one.

And this is how I decided that JeJu Island (also known as Loveland) in South Korea, is now added to my bucket list of places to see.

JeJu Island became a popular honeymoon destination after the Korean War, due to it's warm climate. At that time, many of the Korean marriages were arranged. So there were many a nervous bride. According to an article in Germany's Der Spiegel magazine, in the late 1980s journalist and travel writer Simon Winchester reported that some hotel employees on the island performed as "professional icebreakers". In the evenings, the hotel would offer an entertainment program featuring erotic elements to help newlyweds relax.Wikipedia

"Loveland", an outdoor sex-themed sculpture park, opened in 2004, and has 140 sculptures representing humans in various sexual positions. The park is the size of two soccer fields. You must be 18 years or older to enter the park; there is a play area for children to stay in while the adults tour the park.

I'll only post some of the milder photos, although the penis statue DID make me laugh.

I like this one, because you can insert yourself right into the sculpture.

Like this!

I think this one is beautiful.

Comical

and

I think love is in the air!

There are funny signs throughout the park like this one:

and this one

You could pose behind a few different cutouts - I thought this one was cute.

Some of the more erotic statues:

Although I think this is kind of funny, too, like, "Look , Ma, no hands!"

I guess size DOES matter! Look at the background, too!

Back gate of the park!

I like that the sculptures are all tastefully done and that there is a sense of humor throughout the park. Also, this island is GORGEOUS. Look at these photos!

Talk about Fantasy Island! In more ways than one! *wink* All that's missing is this guy yelling, "Da Plane, Da Plane!"

So how 'bout it? You with me on this?? Should I book a group tour?

That's all I know is, by the end of this post, my vest was off, the blanket was folded and put away, the furnace was turned down, and I was sitting here naked beside myself! KIDDING! But I was down to just my stocking feet, jeans and shirt! Can you say hot flash?

Hope you enjoyed my little tour and I hope I didn't offend any of my readers. I love art, sculptures, travel, and, uh, sex, and found something that combines them ALL!

A Day at the Pumpkin Farm

2011-10-21T00:00:00.002-05:00

Hard to believe it was a mere week ago that we had beautiful Indian Summer days with temperatures in the 80's, the sun was shining, and all was good. Now it's been cold, windy and rainy.

We took advantage of the nice weather and went to a pumpkin farm out in the country with my daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter, Lily.

The pumpkins were magnificent!

We saw pumpkins with bumps.

And flat pumpkins,

and regular pumpkins.

SO many to choose; a little girl named Lily didn't know what to do.

"Should I pick this one?" She thought.

But couldn't pick it up. She walked to another one

But it wouldn't do.

"I want this one Papa!" She yelled with delight.

We promised to come back, but we wanted to see the sights!

Pony rides were available and after watching a little boy ride for a bit Lily decided it was okay for her to ride. So her father put her on the horse and round and round they went. I don't know who had a bigger smile; Grandma or Lily!

Hey they come again!

All was well until Daisy the horse neighed real loud. Lily jumped off the horse and into Daddy's arms lickety-split. Surprisingly she didn't cry, but she was clinging to Daddy pretty hard!

We passed a nice park in the middle of the farm yard as we made our way to the petting zoo. We also passed these two totem poles. I can say that I've never seen pumpkin totem poles before that day!

Meet Caramel the Camel. This is the friendliest camel I have ever met. (I don't know if it was male or female; I'm just going to assume it is male.) He didn't spit on me - and for that I was happy. I gave him some grass which he ate gently out of my hand over the fence. I fed him a few times. Then I leaned on the fence, which was about chin high, to get a photo of the alpacas in the fenced area with him. I rested my elbow on the fence to steady my camera when all of a sudden old Caramel here put almost my whole hand in his mouth. Uh, hello! I let out a yelp! At least he was gentle!

We went into the barn to see the other animals.

There was a lot of loving going on in there.

See what I mean? If I wasn't mistaken, that WAS a Barry White song piped in the background. *snicker*

Then there was this guy.

You talkin' to ME?

The alpacas and Caramel were able to come to the barn door so we could pet them. When I scratched Caramel's neck he leaned over like a cat would do. I got a kick out of that!

Here's another close up of Caramel. Look at those eyelashes!

It was time to move on. Next stop.....the corn crib.

This was really cool. Instead of a big sandbox they used an old corn crib and filled it with.....what else? Corn kernels!

Burying their brother - what fun!

Don't you just want to jump in an play?

Lily playing near a little girl.

It was getting late and the pumpkin farm was going to close. We still had to stop in the store to pick up our order of apple cider doughnuts. Have you ever tasted these? My mouth is watering just thinking about them. They were fresh out of the oven so we couldn't even close the containers and had to inhale that heavenly smell all the way home.

Before we left the farm, I wanted to take some pictures of Lily sitting on the pumpkins. She is a very strong-willed child and even though I'd tell her where I wanted her to sit, she'd continue to walk and then plunk down where SHE decided to sit.

I'm not sure what's she's doing in this photo; just acting goofy I guess.

Lily

Now I have a favor to ask of all my followers and readers of this post. Please pray for my little granddaughter, Lily. She is having eye surgery on BOTH eyes on Monday morning to correct "lazy" eye. I know this is a fairly common surgery but we don't know if Lily's problems are due to her "hypotonia" (low muscle tone throughout her whole body) or just because. Another issue is Malignant Hyperthermia - a reaction to anesthesia. Both my children have this - we are not sure yet if Lily has this. The doctors will treat Lily as if she DOES; so she will be the first surgery of the day. No lingering gases in the air. She will be put out with something in an IV. This is an outpatient surgery. This little girl is as smart as can be and she goes to physical, developmental and occupational therapy. She wears tiny little braces in her shoes (you can see them sticking out of her shoes in the photos). She has come a long, LONG way. And though she doesn't seem to be growing, the visit to the endocrinologist isn't till January. First let's cross this bridge with the eye surgery. Thanks in advance for all your prayers.

Thursday's Things in a Row

2011-10-20T00:00:00.003-05:00

Lately I've been trying to go for a "theme" each week. This week's theme is "things in a row on the road."

Just remember that the following photos were taken from the front seat of a speeding truck.

Wait. Jim was driving.

Let me rephrase that.

Photos were taken from the front seat of a moving truck.

That's better.

Horse, horse, horse, ALPACA?, horse

one cow, two cow, three cow, four

so many alike gravestones that it was mesmerizing

Horses on an entrance

wind turbines

What have my little monsters have for me this week?

Signs - Elvis has Left the Building

2011-10-19T12:07:00.000-05:00

sign outside of Graceland in Memphis, TN

The gate outside of Graceland

There is a brick wall, as you can see in the above photo, by the gate, and along the front of the property. It is filled with graffiti from undying fans of Elvis.

I zoomed in on one of the writings.

Elvis may have left the building, but not the hearts of millions of fans.

For more interesting signs from all over the world, visit Lesley

I'd pedal faster, wouldn't you?

2011-10-18T00:00:00.004-05:00

FINALLY! A good reason to exercise!

Thanks to my friend, Viv, for sending me this!